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Where karst mountains meet the Li River in a timeless Chinese landscape
Guilin has inspired poets and painters for over a thousand years. Its otherworldly karst peaks, mirror-like rivers, and ancient rice terraces create a landscape that feels lifted from a traditional scroll painting. Cruise the legendary Li River, explore subterranean caves adorned with stalactites, and wander through Yangshuo's countryside on a bicycle.
Beyond the scenery, Guilin is home to vibrant Zhuang and Yao ethnic cultures, centuries-old fishing traditions with cormorants, and some of China's most distinctive regional cuisine — from the famous Guilin rice noodles to the fiery beer fish of Yangshuo.
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Discover the best attractions, culture, and cuisine this enchanting city has to offer
The iconic 83-kilometre waterway winds through surreal karst peaks, bamboo groves, and water buffalo pastures. A sunrise cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of China's most celebrated scenic journeys.
Known as the "Palace of Natural Arts," this limestone cave dazzles with multicoloured lighting illuminating ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations shaped like mythological creatures.
The symbol of Guilin, this natural limestone arch resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. The Moon Water Cave between the trunk and legs creates a perfect reflection at dusk.
Carved into steep hillsides over 650 years ago, these tiered rice paddies climb like stairways to heaven. The Dragon's Backbone terraces offer breathtaking panoramas in every season.
A laid-back riverside town framed by dramatic limestone peaks. Cycle through rice fields, climb Moon Hill, catch the Liu Sanjie light show on the river, and unwind in West Street's cafés.
Guilin is home to China's largest Zhuang minority and the Yao people, known for intricate silver jewellery, traditional batik textiles, and wooden drum dances. Visit villages around Longji for authentic minority life.
For over a thousand years, local fishermen have used trained cormorants to catch fish by lantern light. Today this ancient art is preserved as a living cultural heritage performance on the Li River at dusk.
The mist-shrouded karst scenery of Guilin has been immortalised in Chinese ink wash painting for centuries. Local artists continue the tradition, and travellers can try brush painting in Yangshuo studios.
Directed by Zhang Yimou, this spectacular open-air show on the Li River features hundreds of local performers against a backdrop of illuminated karst mountains — a highlight of any Guilin visit.
The city's most beloved breakfast — silky rice noodles in a rich bone broth, topped with pickled beans, peanuts, scallions, and tender braised pork. Every shop has its own secret recipe.
A Yangshuo specialty: fresh Li River carp braised in local beer with tomatoes, peppers, and garlic. A fragrant, mildly spicy stew with flaky fish and a tangy, umami-rich sauce.
Delicate tofu skin made by skimming the creamy film from simmering soy milk, then drying it into golden sheets. Rehydrated and stir-fried with vegetables or braised in savoury broths.
Tiny river snails hollowed out and stuffed with minced pork, mint, and spices, then simmered in a peppery broth. A beloved street snack that pairs perfectly with local rice wine.
A traditional Yao and Zhuang beverage made by pounding tea leaves with ginger, garlic, and peanuts, then brewing with oil and hot water. Salty, aromatic, and deeply warming — a ritual of hospitality in the mountain villages.
Curated holiday packages that include this stunning destination
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai & more
The ultimate China adventure — pandas, the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and stunning Li River landscapes
Includes Return International Flights, High-Speed Rail, Internal Flights & Cruise
Guilin, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces
A deep dive into Guilin's dreamscape — Li River cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Yangshuo cycling, and the awe-inspiring Dragon's Backbone terraces
Includes Return International Flights
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